Chef Ivor Jones, co-owner of Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia, has built his reputation on a love of flavourful food that is easy and delicious to eat - while still pushing the boundaries of bold, unexpected combinations.
But when he steps away from the pass, he’s all about balance - great breakfasts, slow Sundays and long walks with his wife and dogs.
“Summer in Cape Town is unbeatable,” says Ivor. “It’s the best time of year to be outdoors, soaking up the beauty, and resetting between busy service nights.”
The upcoming season is expected to be a busy one with some "exciting projects and collabs coming up for winter 2026, so watch this space," adds Ivor.
Here’s where he suggests you eat, sip, and take some time out this season.
"The Nest Deli at Uitsig for a delicious breakfast with beauiful views of the mountains."
A firm favourite in the Constantia valley, head here for breakfast with a view, according to Chef Ivor.
Address: Constantia Uitsig, Spaanschemat River Rd, Constantia.
For someone visiting for the first time this summer, a proper day in Cape Town includes "having lunch all day around The Fountain at The Mount Nelson," according to Ivor.
This should be followed by drinks at the Planet bar and then move to The Red Room for a dim sum extravaganza. Such a great day out!"
Address:76 Orange St, Gardens
Naturally, Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia, but for Ivor the best of Cape Town's dining doesn't stop there.
"Make sure to try out one of Cape Town’s best fine dining restaurants, like Salsify or La Colombe. Also visit the beautiful Constantia valley, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl or the Swartland region for some of the finest wines in the world," he adds.
Cape Town’s nightlife scene ranks among the best in the world - from moody cocktail lounges to character-packed whiskey bars - and when he has the time, Ivor's got a few favourites he keeps coming back to.
“House of Machines is one of my favourite bars, as well as Merchant Bar & Grill’s whiskey bar,” he says.
For those looking to explore beyond Cape Town’s headline restaurants, Ivor shares a few of his go-to neighbourhood favourites.
"My hidden gems are A Tavola in Claremont for brilliant, authentic Italian food, Tomson in Bree Street, He Sheng in Seapoint for dim sum is epic, the Scone Shack near Cape Point for delicious scones and Ember & Oak on Constantia Uitsig."
The perfect summer's day is best spent at the beach in Cape Town.
"Sunday early mornings on the beach watching my wife surf whilst I’m chilling on the beach with a podcast, a coffee and a croissant. Peace and solitude, absolute perfection!"
Between long kitchen hours and late nights, Ivor finds balance in Cape Town’s great outdoors.
"As a chef, I make the most of season by getting loads of sleep when I can to balance out the hectic hours in the kitchen! Also, I love taking long walks and hikes with my dogs and wife, and spending time at the beach, as it’s the best time of the year to be active and outdoors."
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